University of North Carolina Greensboro offers hybrid teaching with ceiling microphone
- University needed to implement hybrid educational model, combining face-to-face and remote teaching and learning
- Teaching classrooms equipped with MAS-A100 beamforming microphones
- Direct interface to computer via Dante USB connection
- Ceiling-mounted mics offer excellent sound quality
- Built-in signal processing eliminates need for external processing and EQ
Using the MAS-A100 we've been really impressed with the sound quality and the built-in features of the microphones, especially for the price.
Larry Darling,
Classroom Technology Manager, University of North Carolina Greensboro
Driving student engagement through innovation
In existence for more than 125 years, the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) is at the forefront of using cutting-edge technology to support its mission of providing engaging academic programmess that unleash student potential and make a meaningful impact in the community and world.
The challenges of the coronavirus pandemic required UNCG to accommodate an intuitive, immersive ‘HyFlex’ teaching and learning model. Enabled by financial support from the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) fund, UNCG has installed 16 Sony MAS-A100 beamforming ceiling microphones across their campus, with plans underway to implement 40 additional units for the college’s new nursing building.
Toward hybrid teaching and learning
The pandemic had accelerated UNCG’s plans to update their learning environments and make them hybrid friendly. Larry Darling, Classroom Technology Manager at University of North Carolina Greensboro, was tasked with ensuring all of the school’s 250 classrooms met basic needs by leveraging UCC (Unified Communications and Collaboration) technology to ensure better outcomes for students and educators. Larry’s goal was to equip at least one room in every building with transformational technology to enhance face-to-face and remote educational experiences.
High quality, hands-free audio
Each classroom’s lecture capture capabilities were a priority, as Larry explains: “As we sought a more conversation-driven pedagogy, we recognised our lecture capture rooms just weren’t equipped for that type of teaching style. I’d seen Sony’s beamforming microphone demonstrated, and knew that it was just what UNCG needed.” Optimised for lecture and presentation environments, Sony’s ceiling mounted MAS-A100 provides a high quality, totally hands-free audio acquisition solution for teachers and students.
Impressive quality and value
“When we first selected the MAS-A100, it was primarily focused on the value” states Larry. “When you factored together their cost with their coverage range, it was a hard microphone to beat. Another reason we found these mics to be cost-effective is due to their built-in processing. We can put a Dante USB connection on the computer and there’s enough EQ and noise reduction in the mic itself, which has eliminated the need for DSPs. Using the MAS-A100, we’ve been really impressed with the sound quality and the built-in features of the mics, especially for the price.”
Due to the challenges of the pandemic, I had to go with a company I trusted. I’d already built a relationship with Sony and I knew they would support me if there were any issues. It was a pretty quick decision to go with Sony – and I was thrilled that the product worked as well as I expected it to.
Larry Darling,
Classroom Technology Manager, University of North Carolina Greensboro
